CALGARY — With cowbells ringing, shouts of ‘Calgary’ and staff clapping with gusto, Nordstrom Inc. threw open the doors to its first store outside the U.S. on Friday morning, welcoming thousands of eager shoppers at the Chinook Centre.

“I love it. I love how bright and open it is. Look at all the shoes, there’s so many shoes!” said Rebecca Strang, 40, who, like many women in the line-up before the store opened at 9:30 a.m., had never lined up for a store opening in her life.

“I’ve never been excited about a store opening, ever. I’ve shopped at Nordstrom in the U.S. The service is top-notch and the selection is second-to-none,” said Strang, an event planner.